Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

ABOUT THE BOOK

With high hopes, Daphe Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

Margie's Comments: I love Melody Carlson's books, so I was thrilled to review her newest release, Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel. The author's ability to create believable and lovable characters and to do so even with a fairly large cast of characters is once again evident in this story. I've been to Appleton, Wisconsin, and am familiar with many other small towns in the Midwest. So when Daphne came home in the story, I, too, came along with her. As I continued to read of the many changes Daphne faced with her eccentric aunt's bequest (and secrets), I wished I could have known Aunt Dee. I truly wanted the story to continue, and would have gladly read a much longer book, so I am glad to know there's another book in this series featuring Daphne and her new/old friends. Such a fun read—a great book to take along with you on vacation or to curl up with at home.